What is space anaemia that Sunita Williams may suffer from during prolonged space stay

Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams and her NASA colleague Butch Wilmore are stuck in space since June 5. Their homecoming was delayed for weeks by thruster malfunctions in the Boeing spacecraft. According to the latest report, they will return to Earth in February next year with Elon Musk's SpaceX.

Their extended stay poses health risks including developing space anaemia. Let us know more about this condition.

What is space anaemia?

A recent study published in Nature Medicine has shed light on the effects of space travel on the human body, specifically the phenomenon of space anaemia.

Researchers found that astronauts experience a reduction in red blood cell mass during long-duration space flight, which can have long-term implications for their health.

On Earth, our bodies create and destroy 2 million red blood cells every second. However, according to the study, the bodies of the astronauts were destroying 3 million per second, or 54% more than on Earth.

Space anaemia affects astronauts during and after their extended space missions. Unlike anaemia on Earth, space anaemia is primarily due to the body’s adaptation to the unique environment of space.

In microgravity, the body undergoes significant fluid shifts due to the absence of Earth's gravitational pull, which normally helps regulate the distribution of blood and fluids. Without gravity, bodily fluids move upward, toward the head. This upward shift affects blood volume and influences the production of red blood cells.

What are the implications of space anaemia?

Although space anaemia itself is not life-threatening, its effects on astronauts’ health are significant and should not be overlooked. According to Indian Express, if not properly managed, this condition can lead to several long-term health issues.

The decrease in RBCs and haemoglobin can cause physiological changes like fatigue, weakness, and reduced exercise capacity. Another long term

Another long-term concern is the heightened risk of cardiovascular problems.

To manage the residual effects ongoing medical follow-up after returning to Earth is crucial.

Also watch: Sunita Williams stuck in space for more than 50 days: How will it affect her body density, muscle mass?